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The legend grows

Sports Illustrated celebrates Super Mario

While Mario Lemieux adds another few pages to his illustrious career, CNNSI.com takes a look back at the first few chapters, as chronicled by Sports Illustrated.

Feb. 6, 1989 June 8, 1992 April 19, 1993 March 12, 2001

Photo Essay: Super Mario

The Comeback Kid October 16, 1995 By Michael Farber "The comeback tale of Mario Lemieux, who once owned hockey the way Tyson ruled the heavyweights, may or may not have a happy ending, but it certainly had a page-turning Chapter 1."

The Legend Grows April 19, 1993 By Jon Scher "The greatest show on earth played Madison Square Garden twice last Friday, and only once was it the circus."

Tell the Truth February 17, 1992 By Austin Murphy "To Lemieux's disgust, [Ron] Hoggarth swallowed his whistle.'It's a skating and passing game -- that's what the fans want to see,' Lemieux said. 'The advantage is to the marginal player now. That's the way this garage league is run.'"

Rare Bird October 15, 1984 By E.M. Swift "Let posterity note that the light at the end of the tunnel that is Pittsburgh Penguins hockey was first glimpsed at 2:29 p.m. (EDT) on Sept. 20, 1984, when Mario Lemieux scored his first goal in a Penguins intrasquad scrimmage. True, Lemieux's goal came against the NHL's most inept defense."

Cover photographs by (top to bottom) Paul Bereswill, Bruce Bennett, David E. Klutho (2)

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